Is there any updated practical functionality in FCPX has not yet been touted? Steve Martin from MacBreak Studio has found and discuss one more. He calls this function as ‘HUGE ONE’. Learn how you can use user-defined meta tags to improve search your favorite and rejected clips.

This could be really interesting and convenient tool for all who work on very large databases clips. Unfortunately, meta tags always require consequence and regularity in the creation of descriptions. Am I a regular enough?

Source: http://www.pixelcorps.tv/

Shawn Reeder shot a great looking short called "Yosemite Range of Light". In order to achieve his goal, he used two Canon's cameras - the 5D Mark II and the new 5D Mark III with several lenses and additional gear (full list below).
 

In the description of the video, Shawn wrote why he loves the Yosemite National Park and why he wanted to shoot there:

"Yosemite National Park, the High Sierra, and the Eastern Sierra are some of the most beautiful places on earth. Ever since I serendipitously won a trip to Yosemite when I was 18, the beautiful Range of Light has captured my heart and become my home. Nothing brings me more joy than to share this life changing beauty with others."

Shawn also added:

"Ever since I became fascinated with timelapse photography almost 2 years ago, after seeing the work of Tom Lowe, I’ve wanted to do a piece on Yosemite and the Sierra. Now after almost 2 years of shooting, I'm thrilled to share. I hope you enjoy my vision of my home, the majestic Yosemite & Sierra. Best viewed Full Screen with Sound :)."

And here is the full list of hardware used on the set:

• Canon 5D Mark II
• Canon 5D Mark III
• Canon 14L II & 16-35L II (rented from LensProToGo)
• Canon 17-40L, 24-105L, 50L, 70-200L IS
• Gear: KesslerCrane 5 foot Cineslider, Revolution Head, Oracle’s & Basic controller, Elektra Motors, AT Outrigger Feet

Source: http://blog.planet5d.com

Philip Hodgetts shared today a very good news - its company, Intelligent Assistance, released Sync-N-Link X, which is a completely new version of its popular batch synchronizing application for dual system (separate audio and video) workflows. The tool is a complete rethink and what's even cooler - the price dropped a lot - down to $199.99 from $495!

The new version of the software takes advantage of the powerful new metadata capabilities in Final Cut Pro X. Also many new features were implemented. Philip Hodgetts said, that “Sync-N-Link X alleviates the time-consuming chore of synchronizing dailies or rushes by processing an Event of clips with matching Timecode into merged clips, ready for editorial.” Sync-N-Link X more accurately matches video and audio clips by using content creation dates, the new version also supports multiple audio clips within a merged clip to support cases where audio recording was stopped and restarted during a take.

Final Cut Pro X’s powerful Keyword features are used to group all synched clips with the “Synched” keyword attached to the video range - essentially trimming the clip to the video duration in one step before editing begins. For easy searching and troubleshooting, clips that could not be matched are given the “Not Synched” keyword. What's more, Sync-N-Link X gives the user dynamic control over track playback during editorial by supporting user-assignable Audio Subroles to second system and camera audio tracks. The subroles can be used for a wide range of organization and versioning tasks, while providing flexible options for file export.

Another new Sync-N-Link X feature optionally saves out a batch of QuickTime reference movies for the synchronized clips (with camera audio removed) ready for compression or review and approval workflows on the web.

As we wrote above, the tool is available for the price of $199.99. You can grab your copy here. It will also be available in the Mac App Store for the same price.

But thet's not all - Philip also informed that the new version of the 7toX plugin hit Mac App Store. For more info click here.

Source: http://www.philiphodgetts.com

GenArts released Sapphire Edge for Final Cut Pro X. The tool allows to apply visual effects in a streamlined editorial experience without compromising the quality of the final result. According to GenArts, Sapphire Edge delivers the same professional visual effects as its high-end counterpart Sapphire (we wrote about it here).

"By extending the modern workflow introduced in Final Cut Pro X, Sapphire Edge visual effects software enables broadcast, film, and online video editors to produce more engaging stories in fewer steps, saving valuable production time and money."
 

Sapphire Edge brings to Final Cut Pro X important tools that better serve the needs of today’s editor, including effect-based transitions and visual browsing.

“Today’s editors and storytellers need the power of visual effects to produce breakthrough content and build relationships with their audiences,” says Katherine Hays, CEO of GenArts, Inc. “They need an inspired, impactful way to express themselves that resonates with their viewers, without sacrificing productivity or sinking significant resources into the process. We worked with Apple to ensure Sapphire Edge works with Final Cut Pro X to deliver the best of both worlds.”

“Using Sapphire Edge with Final Cut Pro X transforms the experience so editors can apply premium visual effects in a more intuitive workflow to quickly create higher quality, better performing video,” continues Hays. “Now, nothing can limit your creative vision.”

No information right now on the regular Sapphire for Final Cut Pro X.

Sapphire Edge is priced $299 - you can get it here. A trial version is also available (here).

Source: http://www.genarts.com

Apple listens to its customers and we can be pleased by the new update released today by the Cupertino company. Version 10.0.3 of FCPX introduces Multicam Editing, Broadcast Monitoring, and more new features that extend the power and flexibility of Final Cut Pro X! It is too soon to say if these changes will be enough for professional editors, but we are really glad that Apple still wants to compete with Adobe and Avid. For many editors such requests as multicam and improved XML support were essential and according to Apple, the new multicam feature can automatically sync video via audio waveforms, time and date, or timecodes in order to create a clip with up to 64 video angles.

Thanks to the Broadcast Monitoring feature (in beta state though) users can now output video to external monitors and connect to waveform displays, vectorscopes, and calibrated, high-quality broadcast monitors, etc., all this to ensure that the final project meets broadcast specifications.

Advanced Chroma Keying is also much appreciated - advanced keying controls allow color sampling, edge adjustment, and light wrap. "Tackle complex keying challenges without exporting to a motion graphics application. And play back results instantly and in context to make critical editing decisions." It is also possible to exchange files with third-party applications using a robust relink interface, import layered Adobe Photoshop Graphics, and more.

It is still not possible to import past Final Cut Pro 7 projects directly, but the new 7toX app from Intelligent Assistance uses XML to import Final Cut Pro 7 projects into Final Cut Pro X.

"Final Cut Pro version 10.0.3 includes support for exporting basic primary color grades to third-party applications like DaVinci Resolve. In addition, you can import and export audio keyframes and intrinsic effects parameters such as opacity and scale. This improved XML support saves time and reduces creative rework when moving projects and media between applications."

To download the update via Mac App Store click here.

Apple also updated Motion 5 - here is the "what's new" list (via Apple):

• Improved speed and responsiveness of text editing
• Ability to automatically add animation keyframes when recording is disabled
• Keyboard shortcut for re-positioning animation curves or paths
• Ability to adjust the pan and scale of an image in a drop zone
• Enhanced look of the Keyframe editor for easier keyframe viewing and editing

To download or buy Motion 5, click here.

Source: http://www.apple.com | http://arstechnica.com

Digital Film Tools announced the release of Film Stocks with plugin support for such suites as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe After Effects CS5 and up, Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 and up, Apple Aperture, Apple Final Cut Pro 6 and 7, and Avid.

Film Stocks offers artists simulations of 288 different color and black and white photographic film stocks, motion picture film stocks, and historical photographic processes.

Marco Paolini, founder and president of Digital Film Tools said that "the new Film Stocks plug-in draws on our experience creating visual effects for hundreds of feature films and our expertise with film scanning and recording techniques. We have laboriously researched and analyzed different film stocks to come up with a set of interesting analog photographic, motion picture and vintage looks that will serve any project requiring that special analog film stock simulation".

Film Stocks offers a wide range of preset looks as well as the necessary controls to create analog film stock presets from scratch, including color correction, curves, colored filters, sharpness, diffusion, vignetting and film grain. 

And below are listed the Film Stocks highlights (via Digital Film Tools):

• 288 analog photographic film presets
• Select from Agfa, Fuji, Ilford, Kodak, Polaroid and Rollei color and black and white film stocks
• Choose from a wide range of historical photographic processes
• Get the skewed color look of cross processing
• Apply Lo-Fi photographic looks from Lomo and Holga toy cameras
• Age your images with the look of faded films
• Create your own film stock presets
• Layering system for multiple film stock application
• Sophisticated but easy to use masking tools
• Add a vignette to any preset
• Modify images with presets or sliders
• Quickly search for presets
• 8/16 bit image processing
• Multi-processor acceleration--Photo plug-in versions

The Film Stocks photo plugin is available for $95.00 and is compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Apple Aperture. 

The Film Stocks video/film plugin on the other hand, is available now for 195.00 and is compatible with After Effects CS5 and up, Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 and up, Apple Final Cut Pro 6 and 7, Avid Symphony, Media Composer, Newscutter and Xpress Pro.

You can get both plugins here.

A version for Final Cut Pro X might also be released in the future.

Source: http://www.digitalfilmtools.com

PluralEyes is a technology that accelerates the workflow for multi-camera, multi-take and dual-system audio productions. The software analyzes audio information and synchronizes audio and video clips automatically, without the need for timecode, clappers or other special preparation. Singular Software, the produced of PluralEyes, just announced the availability of this product for Final Cut Pro X. The technology works alongside FCP X to quickly and accurately sync video and audio clips for dual-system audio and multi-camera productions - this allows you to save a lot of hours of manual syncing during post-production.

"The auto sync function that is built into Final Cut Pro X is a start, but most professional editors will want more. They want to be able to sync many clips at once, see the results right away, and be confident that the sync will work across a broad range of real-world video projects," says Bruce Sharpe, CEO, Singular Software. "PluralEyes for FCP X is built on the same technology that is used countless times every day to sync weddings, corporate videos, documentaries and a host of other video production types. With a time-tested, proven technology powering the automation, FCP X editors can confidently offload their entire sync task to PluralEyes and be hands off until the sync is complete, regardless of the type of project they are working on."

According to the company, PluralEyes for FCP X went through an extensive public beta before its release with thousands of editors putting the software through its paces. Photography Bay reviewed the PluralEyes for FCP X beta release, commenting on its ability to better handle real-world sync projects, "…syncing multiple takes to a single audio clip is a challenge in FCP X, but is something that the new PluralEyes beta shreds through easily." You can read the full Photography Bay review here.

Existing PluralEyes for FCP customers can upgrade to PluralEyes for FCP X free of charge, but a 30-day trial version is also available and you can download it here. The technology supports Final Cut Pro, Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, Vegas Pro and Edius.

You can get the full version for $149 - if you are interested, follow this link.

Source: http://www.singularsoftware.com

Silhouette is a rotoscoping, paint, keying and visual effects suite utilized by top visual effects facilities around the world. All Silhouette capabilities, including its award-winning roto and paint components, as well as its keying, effects and compositing features, are stereo enabled. Silhouette supports export to After Effects, Autodesk/Discreet, Nuke and Shake 4.x and import from After Effects Corner-Pin, Nuke and Shake 4.x.

The release of Silhouette v4.5 brings new OpenColorIO color management. It was originally developed by Sony Pictures Imageworks and it manages color transformations and image display in a consistent manner across multiple graphics applications.

Unlike other color management solutions, OCIO is geared towards motion-picture post-production, with an emphasis on visual effects and animation color pipelines. "Color management is one of the trickiest and most challenging aspects of digital motion-picture production. This is particularly true of visual effects and animation, where images often flow through multiple software applications and production houses, each often using their unique color processes. Virtually every facility must re-invent a color workflow, for every application - which is hard to get right. OpenColorIO addresses this critical issue," says Marco Paolini, partner at SilhouetteFX and a veteran visual effects artist.

Facilities deal with color space issues on just about every show. By providing a unified color environment, OCIO simplifies the task of creating and validating multi-application color workflows. For smaller facilities, OpenColorIO allows artists to work in a properly color-managed process with minimal effort. For larger facilities, off-the-shelf OCIO-compatible tools can be extensively customized, matching existing facility color practices.

Here are the main features:

• Node based workflow
• Stereoscopic viewing and editing
• Command-Line Rendering
• Scripting and Actions
• OpenColorIO Color Management
• OpenGL® accelerated animation engine
• Multi-processor support
• Proxy management for large image siz

Silhouette 4.5 is a free feature release to current v4 customers while new licenses start at $995. If you want to buy, make sure to follow this link.

Source: http://www.silhouettefx.com

Adobe just announced the availability of Adobe Lightroom 4 beta for Windows and Mac. But what's really noteworthy is that it comes as a free public download from Adobe Labs.

Lightroom is a popular digital photography workflow solution helping amateur and professional photographers quickly import, manage, enhance and showcase their images. Lightroom 4 beta is a preview of new features and capabilities that will be offered in the final release of Lightroom 4, which is expected to come in early 2012. The beta features refined technology for superior shadow and highlight processing, expanded management capabilities including enhanced DSLR video support and the ability to create photo books from within the suite.

“Giving early customer access to new versions of Lightroom has helped our team deliver an outstanding battle-tested product that really stands up to the demands of photographers worldwide,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president of Digital Imaging Products, Adobe. “The much anticipated release of Lightroom 4 beta continues this tradition and shows how much Adobe values customer insights into photography workflows.”

Lightroom 4 beta adds many new capabilities based on feedback provided by the photography community. All new basic tonal adjustment controls extract the entire dynamic range from cameras for stunning shadow details and highlights. The software also features additional local adjustment controls, including Noise Reduction, Moire and White Balance. New native video support gives photographers the capability to play, trim and extract frames from video clips shot on DSLRs, point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones. Additionally, Lightroom 4 beta provides photographers the tools to create photo books with rich text controls and a variety of easy-to-use templates, as well as a direct link for photo book creation from within the new Book module.

In the Develop module, you will discover the addition of soft proofing that helps photographers tune images in a destination color space to ensure prints and web content look their best.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 beta is available as a free download on both Windows and Mac and you can grab your copy here. You might also want to check out Lightroom how-to videos (here).

Source: http://www.adobe.com

Lightmap released HDR Light Studio v3.0 which includes such new features as localized exposure, color and saturation tools using new light blending modes, custom fall-off curves, a new color system for lighting artists and Collada support.

HDR Light Studio v3.0 should also feature faster render times with all parameters now supporting instant feedback.

“The new blending modes for lights in version 3.0 are awesome,” enthuses Bruce Bigelow, Creative Director and Partner at Electric Art, “…because you can dodge and burn huge areas of hi-res HDRI backgrounds instantly and with an incredible smoothness you can't achieve in any other software. With the new custom fall-off curves, new light shapes are infinite. It's a quantum leap from 2.0.”

Here are listed the significant updates to HDR Light Studio 3.0 (via Lightmap):

• New Light Blending Modes: use light sources to adjust exposure, color and saturation.
• Custom fall-off curves: fine control over synthetic light fall-off.
• New color system: Color selection and analysis tools designed specifically for lighting artists to allow precise color matching and auditioning.
• Collada support: LiveLight now supports Collada to allow the import of geometry and camera information from all major 3D modeling packages.
• Increased Performance: Faster rendering times and all features now support real-time feedback.

HDR Light Studio is a proven lighting toolkit that can be used stand-alone by importing 3D scenes into LiveLight, or used in conjunction with any number of Live plug-in partners, including KeyShot, Maxwell Studio, Deep Exploration, VRED and Patchwork3D. Version 3.0 goes even further:

“The new blending modes in v3.0 are game changing additions to HDR Light Studio. The ability to fine tune exposure, color and saturation within the software is invaluable. It can make the difference between a nice image and an amazing one,” according to Greg Peruski, CGI artist at Mid Coast Studio. “I also appreciate the ability to place a back-plate image in the LiveLight window now. It makes the process of lighting more intuitive... Being able to see your lighting in context with the back-plate is a huge benefit.”

The new version is available in two versions: a "Standard" edition for £399 plus VAT (around $620 excl. tax) and a "Pro" edition, which includes plug-ins for KeyShot, Maxwell Studio and Deep Exploration. The "Pro" edition of HDR Light Studio v3.0 is available for £599 plus VAT (around $930 excl. tax).

Source: http://www.hdrlightstudio.com